There is a new space for creatives to make videos, films, and photos projects in downtown Grand Rapids.

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Black Pigeon Studios is now open at 342 Market Ave. SW.

One of the owners, Grand Rapids native, Josh Sikkema, tells Wood TV 8 the studio serves as a resource for filmmakers. The aim is to bringing larger scale Hollywood productions to West Michigan.

Sikkema says he hopes the studio can help drive the return of state tax incentives to make movies in Michigan.

Multiple movies have been shot in Grand Rapids over the years, like Why Him, 30 Minutes or Less, and The End of the Tour (part of which was even shot at our radio stations!) But most were filmed when tax incentives were in place.

As Wood TV 8 reports, there have been efforts to bring film incentives back, but they've so far been unsuccessful:

Last year, two bills were introduced to create a tiered tax credit for film, television and streaming production, with larger incentives for including a Michigan logo and hiring Michigan residents, but both bills died in the Legislature.

Black Pigeon Studios shot the short film "Something in the Clouds" in Grand Rapids last year. There is also another movie being filmed in Grand Rapids right now called Block Party - and they are looking for local actors if you're interested! 

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